Supermarkets Boost EV Charge Points by 33% in 18 Months

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an exciting development for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers alike, the presence of EV charging points at UK supermarkets has surged dramatically. Recent findings from Zapmap and the RAC reveal that the total number of electric vehicle charge points at supermarkets has increased by a remarkable 34% in just 18 months. This rise reflects a growing commitment to sustainable transport and a greener future.

As it stands, Tesco proudly leads the charge with the largest network of EV chargers, boasting an impressive 1,409 charging points distributed across 633 locations. This commitment to electric mobility is indicative of the supermarket giant’s broader strategy to support the transition to electric vehicles while catering to the needs of their customers.

From January 2024 to June 2025, UK supermarkets collectively added 1,001 new charge points at 260 locations. This substantial increase has brought the total number of supermarket charge points to 3,917, which now represents 5% of all EV charging points available across the UK. Notably, the number of supermarket sites offering EV charging facilities has risen to 1,876, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. This means that approximately 14% of all 13,407 supermarkets in the UK now provide EV charging options, a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable future.

Among the key players in this rapidly evolving landscape, discount grocers are making impressive strides. Aldi has overtaken Morrisons to secure the second position in the rankings, with Lidl closely following in third place. Aldi has seen its charger count grow significantly, from just 199 units in 2023 to a staggering 592 units by mid-2025, thanks to a fruitful partnership with Shell Recharge. Meanwhile, Lidl has installed 411 units at 349 locations, demonstrating its commitment to facilitating the transition to electric mobility.

In addition to Aldi and Lidl, Co-op and M&S have also emerged as supermarkets to watch, showcasing a modest yet promising expansion of their EV charging provisions. Notably, Iceland has ventured into the EV charging space for the first time, installing five devices at two of its supermarkets across the UK and paving the way for further developments in the future.

Sainsbury’s has made significant progress in its EV charging infrastructure, having invested heavily in its own Smart Charge network, which focuses on ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+). The supermarket chain now boasts over 375 charge points at 105 locations, more than doubling its previous total of 157 units at 56 locations at the end of 2023. However, Asda has encountered challenges in its EV charging rollout, with fewer than 2% of its supermarket locations currently providing charging facilities for customers.

While Morrisons has the highest proportion of stores offering EV charging—with 332 stores equipped out of a total of 497, representing 67%—the chain has seen limited growth in its charging provision over the past 18 months. In contrast, Lidl now has 35% of its stores equipped with charging facilities, followed by Waitrose at 24% and Aldi at 19%. This data underscores the varying levels of commitment among supermarket chains to provide essential charging infrastructure for electric vehicle users.

The emphasis on higher-powered charging options is also evident in the latest statistics. Over the past 18 months, 596 rapid or ultra-rapid charge points were installed, bringing the total number of higher-powered charging facilities at supermarkets to 1,088. This means that almost six-in-ten (58%) of all supermarket EV locations now offer rapid charging options, a crucial factor for those drivers who wish to minimise wait times while shopping.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams commented on the findings, stating, “Our analysis shows giants such as Sainsbury’s and Morrisons are focused almost exclusively on providing rapid and ultra-rapid charge points. These higher-powered charge points are a crucial piece of the puzzle, especially for drivers that either don’t want to spend long shopping, or that don’t have their own off-street parking space at home so have to rely on public charging.”

Williams further emphasised the need for all retail chains to maintain momentum by increasing the number of stores offering EV charging. He advocated for faster installations from retailers and more financial incentives, such as the Government’s Electric Car Grant, to encourage drivers to switch to electric vehicles.

Melanie Shufflebotham, the founder and chief operating officer of Zapmap, echoed these sentiments, noting that the availability of EV charging points can significantly influence consumer behaviour. “We know that EV provision has a significant positive impact on traffic and dwell-times, so meeting the needs of the EV drivers of today and tomorrow makes strong commercial sense,” she stated. Shufflebotham highlighted Sainsbury’s Smart Charge network as a significant shift in approach, expressing curiosity about whether other supermarkets would follow suit as demand for EV charging grows.

In response to the evolving landscape, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport remarked, “With 100,000 new charge points on the way, backed by government funding, we’re making sure no one’s left searching for a plug. It’s brilliant to see supermarkets stepping up too so drivers can top up while they shop. It’s all about making EVs part of everyday life and showing just how easy the switch can be.”

As we continue to witness the expansion of EV charging infrastructure across the UK, it is clear that supermarkets are playing a pivotal role in this transition. Not only are they providing much-needed charging facilities, but they are also helping to normalise electric vehicle usage in our daily lives. The progress made by various supermarket chains serves as a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of sustainability in retail and the commitment to creating a greener future.

In conclusion, the surge in EV charging points at supermarkets is a vital step towards achieving the UK’s net-zero goals. As consumer demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, the expansion of charging infrastructure will be crucial in supporting this shift. By fostering partnerships and investing in innovative solutions, supermarkets are not only enhancing the shopping experience but also contributing to a more sustainable environment for generations to come. As we move forward, it is imperative that all stakeholders remain committed to this mission, ensuring that the transition to electric mobility is accessible, convenient, and beneficial for all.